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About the 1st of September, 1861, while I was in command of a Confederate “camp of artillery instruction,” near
Nashville, Tenn., I received a visit
from
Lieutenant-Colonel Milton A. Haynes of the 1st Regiment Tennessee Artillery, who informed me of the escape of a number of our steamers from the
Ohio River-into the
Tennessee, and of their having sought refuge under the guns of
Fort Henry; that a “cutting-out” expedition from
Paducah was anticipated, and that as there was no experienced artillerist at the fort the governor (
Isham G. Harris) was anxious that the deficiency should immediately be supplied; that he had no one at his disposal unless I would give up my light battery (subsequently
Porter's and later still
Morton's), and take command at
Fort Henry.
Anxious to be of service, and convinced that the first effort of the
Federals would be to penetrate our lines by the way of the
Tennessee River, I at once, in face of the loudly expressed disapproval and wonder of my friends, consented to make the exchange.
Arriving at the fort, I was convinced by a glance at its surroundings that extraordinarily bad judgment, or worse, had selected the site for its erection.
I found it placed on the east bank of the river in a bottom commanded by high hills rising on either side of the river, and within good rifle range.
This circumstance was at once reported to the proper military authorities of the
State at
Nashville, who replied that the selection had been made by competent engineers and with reference to mutual support with
Fort Donelson on the
Cumberland, twelve miles away; and knowing that the crude ideas of a sailor in the navy concerning fortifications would receive but little consideration when conflicting with those entertained by a “West Pointer,” I resolved quietly to
